BACKWARD(S)
\bˈakwəd ˈɛs], \bˈakwəd ˈɛs], \b_ˈa_k_w_ə_d__ ˈɛ_s]\
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Away from one\'s front (look, lean, &c.); back foremost (walk &c.); back to starting-point (flow, roll, &c.; not of living things exc. in b. & forwards); into a worse state (go &c.); into the past (reckon &c.); the reverse way (spell &c.; ring the bells b., from bass upwards). (Adj.) directed to rear or starting-point; reversed; reluctant, shy, behindhand, dull. whence backwardness n.
By Sir Augustus Henry
